New Year’s Resolutions: 5 Goals to Kick off 2014

New Years resolutions are one of the most common types of goals people make. They are also the most commonly failed goals. I think there are a few key reasons for this. First off, I think most people try to make too many resolutions. Secondly, people forget that resolutions are really just goals. Many people resolve to lose weight, or to eat healthier, or to give money to charity.

If you look at them differently and place a deadline on them, resolutions become goals.

So this year, I decided not to form any resolutions, but rather to set a list of goals for 2014. Now, just setting goals won’t get anything accomplished. You need to set SMART goals. If you’re unfamiliar with SMART goals, let me refresh your memory

SMART is a mnemonic, or a technique to ensure you’re setting the right type of goals. SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based

SPECIFIC“Lose 20 pounds by April 1st” not “lose weight this year.”

MEASURABLEMake sure you can effectively measure your progress and results.

ATTAINABLE
A lot of people fail their resolutions or miss their goals, because they are simply unrealistic. Make sure your goals are challenging, but realistic.

RELEVANT
Your goals need to make sense in your life or business. Choose goals that matter.

TIME-BASEDYour goals should have a specific timeframe and deadline or goal date.

Another problem people have is simply the task of sitting down and creating goals. Often times, we choose goals based on what our friends, family, or co-workers choose. Your goals need to be your own, but if you’re having trouble figuring out what type of goals you should lay out for yourself, here are five types of goals to help kick off your 2014.

1. Improve your health

2. Learn something new

3. Earn a promotion, get a raise, or change careers.

4. Reconnect with someone you haven’t seen in more than 3 years

5. Schedule more time to spend with your family

These are all very broad. You can take them and create your own specific goal. Be specific, measure your progress, make sure your goal is realistic and relevant to your life, and then set a deadline for yourself to accomplish the goal.